Pump bulb with control features

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect, an inflatable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pump bulb having an outer surface, the pump bulb having a horizontal projection disposed on the outer surface and a vertical projection disposed on the outer surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/845,012, filed on May 8, 2019, entitled “PUMP BULB WITH CONTROLFEATURES”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to bodily implants and morespecifically to bodily implants, such as penile prosthesis that includesa pump bulb assembly.

BACKGROUND

One treatment for male erectile dysfunction is the implantation of apenile prosthesis that mechanically erects the penis. Some existingpenile prostheses include inflatable cylinders or members that can beinflated or deflated using a pump mechanism. The pump mechanism pullsfluid from a fluid reservoir and then transfers the fluid to theinflatable members. The pump mechanism may include a valve body that isused by patients as a place to hold the device while they are pumpingthe device to achieve inflation. The pump mechanism may also include apump bulb assembly. However, according to some existing designs, somepatients may have difficulty orienting the pump bulb assembly, actuatingthe pump bulb, or locating the deflation mechanism.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, an inflatable implant includes a fluid reservoirconfigured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pump assemblyconfigured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatablemember, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pump bulb having anouter surface, the pump bulb having a horizontal projection disposed onthe outer surface and a vertical projection disposed on the outersurface.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb includes a plurality of horizontalprojections disposed on the outer surface. In some embodiments, the pumpbulb includes at least 4 horizontal projections disposed on the outersurface. In some embodiments, the pump bulb includes at least 6horizontal projections disposed on the outer surface. In someembodiments, the pump bulb includes a plurality of vertical projectionsdisposed on the outer surface. In some embodiments, the pump bulbincludes at least 4 vertical projections disposed on the outer surface.In some embodiments, the pump bulb includes at least 6 verticalprojections disposed on the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the horizontal projection has a height, a width,and a length, the length of the horizontal projection being greater thanthe width of the horizontal projection, the length of the horizontalprojection defining an axis, the vertical projection has a height, awidth, and a length, the length of the vertical projection being greaterthan the width of the vertical projection, the length of the verticalprojection defining an axis, the axis of the horizontal projection beingsubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the vertical projection.

In some embodiments, the horizontal projection includes a curvedportion.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb has a first end portion, a second endportion, and a middle portion disposed between the first end portion andthe second end portion, the first end portion has a first size, themiddle portion has a second size, the first size being greater than thesecond size. In some embodiments, the pump bulb has a first end portion,a second end portion, and a middle portion disposed between the firstend portion and the second end portion, the first end portion has afirst size, the middle portion has a second size, the second end portionhas a third size, the first size being greater than the second size, thethird size being greater than the second size.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb is configured to be disposed within ascrotum of a patient. In some embodiments, the implant is a penileimplant. In some embodiments, the implant includes a first inflatablecylinder and a second inflatable cylinder. In some embodiments, theimplant includes an actuator configured to place the implant in aninflate mode or a deflate mode.

In another aspect, an inflatable implant includes a fluid reservoirconfigured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pump assemblyconfigured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatablemember, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pump bulb having anouter surface, the pump bulb having a first horizontal projectiondisposed on the outer surface and a second horizontal projectiondisposed on the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb has a first end portion and a secondend portion opposite the first end portion, the first horizontalprojection being disposed proximal the first end portion, the secondhorizontal projection being disposed proximal the second end portion. Insome embodiments, the first horizontal projection is offset horizontallyand vertically from the second horizontal projection.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb has a middle portion disposed betweenthe first end portion and the second end portion, the first end portionhas a first size, the middle portion has a second size, the first sizebeing greater than the second size. In some embodiments, the pump bulbhas a middle portion disposed between the first end portion and thesecond end portion, the first end portion has a first size, the middleportion has a second size, the second end portion has a third size, thefirst size being greater than the second size, the third size beinggreater than the second size.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb is configured to be disposed within ascrotum of a patient. In some embodiments, the first horizontalprojection is disposed in a first row of horizontal projections, thesecond horizontal projection is disposed in a second row of horizontalprojections, the pump bulb including a third row of horizontalprojections.

According to another aspect, an inflatable implant includes a fluidreservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pumpassembly configured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to theinflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pumpbulb having an outer surface, the pump bulb having a first horizontalprojection disposed on the outer surface, the first horizontalprojection forms a ring around the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb includes a second horizontalprojection disposed on the outer surface, the second horizontalprojection forms a ring around the outer surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an inflatable implant according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an inflatable penile implant according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pump bulb assembly of the penileimplant of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump bulb assembly of the penileimplant of FIG. 2, taken along line B-B of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5-12 are perspective views of pump bulb assemblies according toembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is understoodthat the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments invirtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but to provide anunderstandable description of the present disclosure.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, aredefined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term “coupled” or“moveably coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly and mechanically.

In general, the embodiments are directed to bodily implants. Forexample, in some embodiments, the bodily implant is configured to bedisposed within a pelvic region of a patient. For example, the bodilyimplant may be a penile implant. In other embodiments, the implant isconfigured to be disposed within a different portion of the body of thepatient. The term patient or user may hereafter be used for a person whobenefits from the medical device or the methods disclosed in the presentdisclosure. For example, the patient can be a person whose body isimplanted with the medical device.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a bodily implant 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the implant is an inflatable bodily implant. Thebodily implant includes a fluid reservoir 102, an inflatable member 104,and a pump assembly 106. The fluid reservoir 102 is operatively coupledto the pump assembly 106 and the pump assembly 106 is operativelycoupled to the inflatable member 104. The pump assembly 106 isconfigured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir 102 and theinflatable member 104 according to an aspect.

In some embodiments, the implant 100 is a penile implant. In some suchembodiments, the inflatable member 104 may be implanted into the corpuscavernosae of the user, the fluid reservoir 102 may be implanted in theabdomen or pelvic cavity of the user (e.g., the fluid reservoir 102 maybe implanted in the lower portion of the user's abdominal cavity or theupper portion of the user's pelvic cavity), and the pump assembly 106may be implanted in the scrotum of the user.

The pump assembly 106 includes a pump bulb 108 and an actuator or adeflation mode actuator 112. In an inflation mode, the user may operatethe pump bulb 108 (e.g., squeeze the pump bulb 108, release, thensqueeze again, etc.) to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir 102 tothe pump assembly 106, and from the pump assembly 106 to the inflatablemember 104 such that a desired rigidity is achieved in the inflatablemember 104. In order to deflate the inflatable member 104, the user maylocate the deflation mode actuator 112, and activate the deflation modeactuator 112 to place the implant 100 in a deflation mode.

In some embodiments, the deflation mode actuator 112 is movably coupledto a pump assembly or a valve body. In some examples, the deflation modeactuator 112 includes a protrusion, that when pressed, causes the valvebody to define a fluid passageway from the inflatable member 104 to thefluid reservoir 102 in order to deflate the inflatable member 104. Insome examples, the deflation mode actuator 112 includes a push rod orbutton. In some examples, the user presses the deflation mode actuator112 once (e.g., does not need to hold the deflation mode actuator 112)to cause fluid to drain from the inflatable member 104.

The pump bulb 108 may be a flexible member defining a cavity. In someembodiments, the pump bulb 108 is coupled to and extends from the valvebody. The pump bulb 108 may be a squeeze pump. The pump bulb 108 may usesuction and pressure to move the fluid in and out of the cavity of thepump bulb 108 in the inflation mode. For example, the user may depressor squeeze the pump bulb 108 to expel the fluid out of the cavity, and,when the flexible member returns to its original shape, the resultingsuction pushes the fluid into the cavity of the pump bulb 108. In someexamples, the pump bulb 108 may have a bulb spring rate that is designedto refill the pump bulb 108 in a selected time frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 108 includes a controlfeature 110. The control feature 110 is configured to allow the user tolocate and grasp the pump bulb 108 during use of the device. Forexample, when the implant 100 is disposed within the body of thepatient, the patient can locate the pump bulb 108 by feeling for thecontrol feature 110. In some embodiments, the control feature 110 isshaped or otherwise configured to allow the user to understand theorientation of the implant within the body. Additionally, in someembodiments, the control feature 110 may facilitate the actuation of thepump bulb. For example, in some embodiments, the control feature 110 mayallow or facilitate the user to actuate the pump bulb 108 by graspingthe pump bulb 110 with a full hand or with a few fingers or eithermethod.

In some embodiments, the control feature 110 is disposed on an outersurface of the pump bulb. For example, in some embodiments, the pumpbulb 108 includes an inner surface that defines an internal channel orcavity. The outer surface is disposed opposite the inner surface. Thecontrol feature 110 may extend from, protrude, or otherwise be disposedon the outer surface of the pump bulb 108.

In some embodiments, the control feature 110 is a tactile feature. Insome embodiments, the control feature 110 is a single projection ormember. In other embodiments, the control feature 110 is a series ofprojections. In some embodiments, the control feature 110 is a series ofprojections that are arranged in a specific pattern.

In some embodiments, the pump bulb 108 is formed of an implantable gradesilicone. In some embodiments, the control feature 110 is integrally orunitarily formed with the pump bulb 108. In other embodiments, thecontrol feature 110 is formed separately from the pump bulb 108 and iscoupled to the pump bulb 108. For example, in some embodiments, thecontrol feature 110 may be coupled to the outer surface of the pump bulb108 using an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the control feature 110 extends from the outersurface of the pump bulb 108 a sufficient distance such that bodilytissue does not surround the pump bulb to hide or mask the controlfeature 110. In other words, in some embodiments, the control feature110 extends such that tissue encapsulation of the implant 100 or thepump bulb 108 does not prevent the user from feeling or detecting thecontrol feature 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an inflatable penile prosthesis or implant 200 havinga pump assembly 206 according to an aspect. The penile prosthesis 200may include a pair of inflatable cylinders 210, and the inflatablecylinders 210 are configured to be implanted in a penis of the patient.For example, one of the inflatable cylinders 210 may be disposed on oneside of the penis, and the other inflatable cylinder 210 may be disposedon the other side of the penis. Each inflatable cylinder 210 may includea first end portion 224, a cavity or inflation chamber 222, and a secondend portion 228 having a rear tip 232.

The pump assembly 206 may be implanted into the patient's scrotum. Apair of conduit connectors 205 may attach the pump assembly 206 to theinflatable cylinders 210 such that the pump assembly 206 is in fluidcommunication with the inflatable cylinders 210. Also, the pump assembly206 may be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir 202 via aconduit connector 203. The fluid reservoir 202 may be implanted into theuser's abdomen. The inflation chamber or portion 222 of the inflatablecylinder 210 may be disposed within the penis. The first end portion 224of the inflatable cylinder 210 may be at least partially disposed withinthe crown portion of the penis. The second end portion 228 may beimplanted into the patient's pubic region with the rear tip 232proximate the pubic bone.

In order to implant the inflatable cylinders 210, the surgeon may firstprepare the patient. The surgeon often makes an incision in thepenoscrotal region, e.g., where the base of the penis meets with the topof the scrotum. From the penoscrotal incision, the surgeon may dilatethe patient's corpus cavernosae to prepare the patient to receive theinflatable cylinders 210. The corpus cavernosum is one of two parallelcolumns of erectile tissue forming the dorsal part of the body of thepenis, e.g., two slender columns that extend substantially the length ofthe penis. The surgeon will also dilate two regions of the pubic area toprepare the patient to receive the second end portion 228. The surgeonmay measure the length of the corpora cavernosae from the incision andthe dilated region of the pubic area to determine an appropriate size ofthe inflatable cylinders 210 to implant.

After the patient is prepared, the penile prosthesis 200 is implantedinto the patient. The tip of the first end portion 224 of eachinflatable cylinder 210 may be attached to a suture. The other end ofthe suture may be attached to a needle member (e.g., Keith needle). Theneedle member is inserted into the incision and into the dilated corpuscavernosum. The needle member is then forced through the crown of thepenis. The surgeon tugs on the suture to pull the inflatable cylinder210 into the corpus cavernosum. This is done for each inflatablecylinder 210 of the pair. Once the inflation chamber 222 is in place,the surgeon may remove the suture from the tip. The surgeon then insertsthe second end portion 228. The surgeon inserts the rear end of theinflatable cylinder 210 into the incision and forces the second endportion 228 toward the pubic bone until each inflatable cylinder 210 isin place.

A pump bulb 208 of the pump assembly 206 may be squeezed or depressed bythe user in order to facilitate the transfer of fluid from the fluidreservoir 202 to the inflatable cylinders 210. For example, in theinflation mode, while the user is operating the pump bulb 208, the pumpbulb 208 may receive the fluid from the fluid reservoir 202, and thenoutput the fluid to the inflatable cylinders 210. When the user switchesto the deflation mode, at least some of the fluid can automatically betransferred back to the fluid reservoir 202 (due to the difference inpressure from the inflatable cylinders 210 to the fluid reservoir 202).Then, the user may squeeze the inflatable cylinders 210 to facilitatethe further transfer of fluid through the pump to the fluid reservoir202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 206 includes anactuation member 212. The actuation member 212 may be used by thepatient to toggle or switch the penile implant 200 from its inflate modeto its deflate mode.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the pump assembly 206. In the illustratedembodiment, the pump bulb 208 includes an outer surface 260. The pumpbulb 208 also includes an inner surface 262. The inner surface 262 isdisposed opposite the outer surface 260. The inner surface 262 definesthe cavity 264 that is configured to house or receive the fluid as it ispassed through the penile implant 200.

The pump assembly 206 includes a control feature or member 210. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 206 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 210. The pumpassembly 206 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 272 and aplurality of vertical projections 274. The horizontal projections 272and the vertical projections are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 260 of the pump bulb 208. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 272 and the vertical projections 274 are integrally orunitarily formed with the pump bulb 208.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 272 and 274 each have aheight H (the distance that the projections 272 and 274 extend from theouter surface 260 of the pump bulb 208), a length L, and a width W. Thelengths of the projections 272 and 274 are larger or greater than thewidths of the projections 272 and 274. In the illustrated embodiment,the length L of each of the projections defines an axis A of theprojections. Specifically, the length L extends along the axis A.

The pump bulb 208 has a first end portion 280 and a second end portion282 disposed opposite the first end portion 280. The pump bulb 208defines an axis AX that extends from the first end portion 280 to thesecond end portion 282. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections272 and 274 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (alongthe length L and in the direction of the axis A). The horizontalprojections 272 extend (along the length L and in the direction of theaxis A) substantially perpendicular to the axis AX of the pump bulb 208and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the vertical projections274. The vertical projections 274 extend (along the length) in adirection substantially parallel to the axis AX of the pump bulb 208.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes six horizontalprojections 272 and twelve vertical projections 274. In otherembodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number of horizontalprojections (such as more than twelve or less than twelve). Similarly,in other embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofvertical projections (such as more than six or less than six).

In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal projections 272 and thevertical projections 274 help prevent the pump bulb 208 from slippingfrom the grip of the user. For example, the horizontal projections 272may help prevent the pump bulb 208 from slipping vertically and thevertical projections 274 may help prevent the pump bulb from slippinghorizontally. The projections may also help prevent the pump bulb 208from rotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 272 and 274 help or facilitate the locatingof the deflation mode actuator 212.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pump assembly 306 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 308 includesan outer surface 360. The pump bulb 308 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 360. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 306 includes a control feature or member 310. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 306 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 310. The pumpassembly 306 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 372 and aplurality of vertical projections 374. The horizontal projections 372and the vertical projections are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 360 of the pump bulb 308. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 372 and the vertical projections 374 are integrally orunitarily formed with the pump bulb 308.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 372 and 374 each have aheight H (the distance that the projections 372 and 374 extend from theouter surface 360 of the pump bulb 308), a length L, and a width W. Thelengths of the projections 372 and 374 are larger or greater than thewidths of the projections 372 and 374. In the illustrated embodiment,the length L of each of the projections defines an axis C of theprojections. Specifically, the length L extends along the axis C.

The pump bulb 308 has a first end portion 380 and a second end portion382 disposed opposite the first end portion 380. The pump bulb 308defines an axis CX that extends from the first end portion 380 to thesecond end portion 382. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections372 and 374 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (alongthe length L and in the direction of the axis C). The horizontalprojections 372 extend (along the length L and in the direction of theaxis C) substantially perpendicular to the axis CX of the pump bulb 308and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the vertical projections374. The vertical projections 374 extend (along the length) in adirection substantially parallel to the axis CX of the pump bulb 308.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes fourhorizontal projections 372 and eight vertical projections 374. In otherembodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number of horizontalprojections (such as more than eight or less than eight). Similarly, inother embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofvertical projections (such as more than four or less than four).

In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal projections 372 and thevertical projections 374 help prevent the pump bulb 308 from slippingfrom the grip of the user. For example, the horizontal projections 372may help prevent the pump bulb 308 from slipping vertically and thevertical projections 374 may help prevent the pump bulb from slippinghorizontally. The projections may also help prevent the pump bulb 308from rotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 372 and 374 help or facilitate the locatingof the deflation mode actuator 312.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pump assembly 406 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 408 includesan outer surface 460. The pump bulb 408 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 460. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 406 includes a control feature or member 410. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 406 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 410. The pumpassembly 406 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 472 and aplurality of vertical projections 474. The horizontal projections 472and the vertical projections are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 460 of the pump bulb 408. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 472 and the vertical projections 474 are integrally orunitarily formed with the pump bulb 408.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 472 and 474 each have aheight H (the distance that the projections 472 and 474 extend from theouter surface 460 of the pump bulb 408), a length L, and a width W. Thelengths of the projections 472 and 474 are larger or greater than thewidths of the projections 472 and 474. In the illustrated embodiment,the length L of each of the projections defines an axis D of theprojections. Specifically, the length L extends along the axis D.

The pump bulb 408 has a first end portion 480 and a second end portion482 disposed opposite the first end portion 480. The pump bulb 408defines an axis DX that extends from the first end portion 480 to thesecond end portion 482. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontalprojections 472 include a curvature in the length direction. In otherwords, the horizontal projections 472 do not extend linearly in thelength direction. The vertical projections 474 extend (along the length)in a direction substantially parallel to the axis DX of the pump bulb408.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes eighthorizontal projections 472 and four vertical projections 474. In otherembodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number of horizontalprojections (such as more than eight or less than eight). Similarly, inother embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofvertical projections (such as more than four or less than four).

As best illustrated in FIG. 6, two of the horizontal projections 472 andtwo of the vertical projections 474 form a receiving location 490. Thereceiving location 490 is configured to receive or partially receive afinger or a portion of a hand of a user to facilitate the actuation ofthe pump bulb 408. The horizontal projections 472 and the verticalprojections 474 help prevent the pump bulb 408 from slipping from thegrip of the user. For example, the horizontal projections 472 may helpprevent the pump bulb 408 from slipping vertically and the verticalprojections 474 may help prevent the pump bulb from slippinghorizontally. The projections may also help prevent the pump bulb 408from rotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 472 and 474 help or facilitate the locatingof the deflation mode actuator 412. Specifically, as the user grips orfeels the projections 472 and 474 on the pump bulb 408, the userunderstand the orientation of the pump assembly and may then be led orguided to know where the mode actuator 412 is located.

FIG. 7 illustrates a pump assembly 506 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 508 includesan outer surface 560. The pump bulb 508 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 560. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 506 includes a control feature or member 510. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 506 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 510. The pumpassembly 506 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 572. Thehorizontal projections 572 are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 560 of the pump bulb 508. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 572 are integrally or unitarily formed with the pump bulb508.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 572 each have a height H(the distance that the projections 572 extend from the outer surface 560of the pump bulb 508), a length L, and a width W. The lengths of theprojections 572 are larger or greater than the widths of the projections572. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of each of theprojections defines an axis E of the projections. Specifically, thelength L extends along the axis E.

The pump bulb 508 has a first end portion 580 and a second end portion582 disposed opposite the first end portion 580. The pump bulb 508defines an axis EX that extends from the first end portion 580 to thesecond end portion 582. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections572 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (along thelength L and in the direction of the axis E). In the illustratedembodiment, the axis E is substantially perpendicular to the axis EX.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes a first seriesof horizontal projections 592, a second series of horizontal projections594, a third series of horizontal projections 596, and a fourth seriesof horizontal projections 598. Each series of projections extend arounda circumference of the pump bulb 508. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst series of projections 592 are disposed proximate or near the firstend portion 580 of the pump bulb 508. The fourth series of projections598 are disposed proximate or near the second end portion 582 of thepump bulb 508. The second series of projections 594 and the third seriesof projections 596 are disposed between the first series of projections592 and the fourth series of projections 598. Additionally, in theillustrated embodiment, the second series of projections 594 and thirdseries of projections 596 are aligned with each other. In other words,the projections in the second series of projections 594 are horizontallyaligned with projections of the third series of projections 596. Theprojections of the first series of projections 592 are aligned with theprojections of the fourth series of projections 598. The projections ofthe first series of projections 592 are offset (or not horizontallyaligned with) from the projections of the second series of projections594.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofseries of horizontal projections (such as more than four or less thanfour).

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 572 may help prevent thepump bulb 508 from slipping during actuation of the pump bulb 508 by theuser. The projections may also help prevent the pump bulb 508 fromrotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 572 help or facilitate the locating of thedeflation mode actuator 512.

FIG. 8 illustrates a pump assembly 606 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 608 includesan outer surface 660. The pump bulb 608 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 660. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 606 includes a control feature or member 610. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 606 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 610. The pumpassembly 606 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 672. Thehorizontal projections 672 are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 660 of the pump bulb 608. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 672 are integrally or unitarily formed with the pump bulb608.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 672 each have a height H(the distance that the projections 672 extend from the outer surface 660of the pump bulb 608), a length L, and a width W. The lengths of theprojections 672 are larger or greater than the widths of the projections672. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of each of theprojections defines an axis F of the projections. Specifically, thelength L extends along the axis F.

The pump bulb 608 has a first end portion 680 and a second end portion682 disposed opposite the first end portion 680. The pump bulb 608defines an axis FX that extends from the first end portion 680 to thesecond end portion 682. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections672 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (along thelength L and in the direction of the axis F). In the illustratedembodiment, the axis F is substantially perpendicular to the axis FX.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes a first seriesof horizontal projections 692 and a second series of horizontalprojections 694. Each series of projections extend around acircumference of the pump bulb 608. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst series of projections 692 are disposed proximate or near the firstend portion 680 of the pump bulb 608. The second series of projections692 are disposed proximate or near the second end portion 682 of thepump bulb 608. The projections of the first series of projections 692are offset (or not horizontally aligned with) from the projections ofthe second series of projections 694.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofseries of horizontal projections (such as more than two or less thantwo).

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 672 may help prevent thepump bulb 608 from slipping during actuation of the pump bulb 608 by theuser. The projections may also help prevent the pump bulb 608 fromrotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 672 help or facilitate the locating of thedeflation mode actuator 612.

FIG. 9 illustrates a pump assembly 706 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 708 includesan outer surface 760. The pump bulb 708 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 760. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 706 includes a control feature or member 710. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 706 includes a plurality ofhorizontal projections 772 that form the control feature or member 710.The horizontal projections 772 are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 760 of the pump bulb 708. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 772 are integrally or unitarily formed with the pump bulb708.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 772 form rings thatextend around the pump bulb 708. In the illustrated embodiment, theprojections 772 form complete rings. In other embodiments, theprojections 772 may include breaks or notches or otherwise not formcomplete rings around the circumference of the pump bulb 708.

The pump bulb 708 has a first end portion 780 and a second end portion782 disposed opposite the first end portion 780. The pump bulb 708defines an axis GX that extends from the first end portion 780 to thesecond end portion 782. In the illustrated embodiment, the projectionsextend around the pump bulb 708 substantially perpendicularly to theaxis GX.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofseries of horizontal projections or rings (such as more than two or lessthan two).

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 772 may help prevent thepump bulb 708 from slipping during actuation of the pump bulb 708 by theuser. The projections may also help prevent the pump bulb 708 fromrotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 772 help or facilitate the locating of thedeflation mode actuator 712.

FIG. 10 illustrates a pump assembly 806 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 808 includesan outer surface 860. The pump bulb 808 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 860. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 806 includes a control feature or member 810. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 806 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 810. The pumpassembly 806 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 872 and aplurality of vertical projections 874. The horizontal projections 872are coupled to and extend from the outer surface 860 of the pump bulb808. In some embodiments, the horizontal projections 872 are integrallyor unitarily formed with the pump bulb 808.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 872 each have a height H(the distance that the projections 872 extend from the outer surface 860of the pump bulb 808), a length L, and a width W. The lengths of theprojections 872 are larger or greater than the widths of the projections872. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of each of theprojections defines an axis I of the projections. Specifically, thelength L extends along the axis I.

The pump bulb 808 has a first end portion 880 and a second end portion882 disposed opposite the first end portion 880. The pump bulb 808defines an axis IX that extends from the first end portion 880 to thesecond end portion 882. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections872 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (along thelength L and in the direction of the axis I). In the illustratedembodiment, the axis I is substantially perpendicular to the axis IX.

The vertical projections 874 extend substantially perpendicular to theaxis I and extend substantially parallel to the axis IX.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes a first seriesof horizontal projections 892, a second series of horizontal projections894, a third series of horizontal projections 896, and a fourth seriesof horizontal projections 898. Each series of projections extends arounda circumference of the pump bulb 808. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst series of projections 892 are disposed proximate or near the firstend portion 880 of the pump bulb 808. The fourth series of projections898 are disposed proximate or near the second end portion 882 of thepump bulb 808. The second series of projections 894 and the third seriesof projections 896 are disposed between the first series of projections892 and the fourth series of projections 898. Additionally, in theillustrated embodiment, the second series of projections 894 and thirdseries of projections 896 are aligned with each other. In other words,the projections in the second series of projections 894 are horizontallyaligned with projections of the third series of projections 896. Theprojections of the first series of projections 892 are aligned with theprojections of the fourth series of projections 898. The projections ofthe first series of projections 892 are offset from (or not horizontallyaligned with) the projections of the second series of projections 894.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofseries of horizontal projections (such as more than four or less thanfour).

In the illustrated embodiment, different locations of the pump bulb 808have different sizes. For example, the diameter of the pump bulb 808varies at different locations along the pump bulb 808. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 808 has a first size at the firstend portion 880, a second size at the second end portion 882, and athird size at a location 884 that is between the first end portion 880and the second end portion 882. The first size is larger than the thirdsize. The second size is larger than the third size. In someembodiments, the first size and the second size are the same. In otherembodiments, the first size is different than the second size.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 872 and 874 and/or thedifferent sizes of the pump bulb 808 may help prevent the pump bulb 808from slipping during actuation of the pump bulb 808 by the user. Theprojections and sizes may also help prevent the pump bulb 808 fromrotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 872 and 874 help or facilitate the locatingof the deflation mode actuator 812.

FIG. 11 illustrates a pump assembly 906 of a penile implant according toan embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 908 includesan outer surface 960. The pump bulb 908 also includes an inner surface.The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface 960. The innersurface defines the cavity that is configured to house or receive thefluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 906 includes a control feature or member 910. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 906 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 910. The pumpassembly 906 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 972. Thehorizontal projections 972 are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 960 of the pump bulb 908. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 972 are integrally or unitarily formed with the pump bulb908.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 972 each have a height H(the distance that the projections 972 extend from the outer surface 960of the pump bulb 908), a length L, and a width W. The lengths of theprojections 972 are larger or greater than the widths of the projections972. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of each of theprojections defines an axis J of the projections. Specifically, thelength L extends along the axis J.

The pump bulb 908 has a first end portion 980 and a second end portion982 disposed opposite the first end portion 980. The pump bulb 908defines an axis JX that extends from the first end portion 980 to thesecond end portion 982. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections972 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (along thelength L and in the direction of the axis J). In the illustratedembodiment, the axis J is substantially perpendicular to the axis JX.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes a first seriesof horizontal projections 992, a second series of horizontal projections994, a third series of horizontal projections 996, and a fourth seriesof horizontal projections 998. Each series of projections extend arounda circumference of the pump bulb 908. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst series of projections 992 are disposed proximate or near the firstend portion 980 of the pump bulb 908. The fourth series of projections998 are disposed proximate or near the second end portion 982 of thepump bulb 908. The second series of projections 994 and the third seriesof projections 996 are disposed between the first series of projections992 and the fourth series of projections 998. Additionally, in theillustrated embodiment, the second series of projections 994 and thirdseries of projections 996 are aligned with each other. In other words,the projections in the second series of projections 994 are horizontallyaligned with projections of the third series of projections 996. Theprojections of the first series of projections 992 are aligned with theprojections of the fourth series of projections 998. The projections ofthe first series of projections 992 are offset (or not horizontallyaligned with) from the projections of the second series of projections994.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofseries of horizontal projections (such as more than four or less thanfour).

In the illustrated embodiment, different locations of the pump bulb 908have different sizes. For example, the diameter of the pump bulb 908varies at different locations along the pump bulb 908. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 908 has a first size at the firstend portion 980, a second size at the second end portion 982, and athird size at a location 984 that is between the first end portion 980and the second end portion 982. The first size is larger than the thirdsize. The second size is larger than the third size. In someembodiments, the first size and the second size are the same. In otherembodiments, the first size is different than the second size.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 972 and/or the sizing ofthe pump bulb 908 may help prevent the pump bulb 908 from slippingduring actuation of the pump bulb 908 by the user. The projectionsand/or the sizing of the pump bulb may also help prevent the pump bulb908 from rotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 972 help or facilitate the locating of thedeflation mode actuator 912.

FIG. 12 illustrates a pump assembly 1006 of a penile implant accordingto an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 1008includes an outer surface 1060. The pump bulb 1008 also includes aninner surface. The inner surface is disposed opposite the outer surface1060. The inner surface defines the cavity that is configured to houseor receive the fluid as it is passed through the penile implant.

The pump assembly 1006 includes a control feature or member 1010. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 1006 includes a plurality ofprojections that form the control feature or member 1010. The pumpassembly 1006 includes a plurality of horizontal projections 1072. Thehorizontal projections 1072 are coupled to and extend from the outersurface 1060 of the pump bulb 1008. In some embodiments, the horizontalprojections 1072 are integrally or unitarily formed with the pump bulb1008.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 1072 each have a height H(the distance that the projections 1072 extend from the outer surface1060 of the pump bulb 1008), a length L, and a width W. The lengths ofthe projections 1072 are larger or greater than the widths of theprojections 1072. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of each ofthe projections defines an axis K of the projections. Specifically, thelength L extends along the axis K.

The pump bulb 1008 has a first end portion 1080 and a second end portion1082 disposed opposite the first end portion 1080. The pump bulb 1008defines an axis KX that extends from the first end portion 1080 to thesecond end portion 1082. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections1072 extend substantially linearly in the length direction (along thelength L and in the direction of the axis F). In the illustratedembodiment, the axis K is substantially perpendicular to the axis KX.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly includes a first seriesof horizontal projections 1092 and a second series of horizontalprojections 1094. Each series of projections extend around acircumference of the pump bulb 1008. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst series of projections 1092 are disposed proximate or near thefirst end portion 1080 of the pump bulb 1008. The second series ofprojections 1092 are disposed proximate or near the second end portion1082 of the pump bulb 1008. The projections of the first series ofprojections 1092 are offset (or not horizontally aligned with) from theprojections of the second series of projections 1094.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly includes a different number ofseries of horizontal projections (such as more than two or less thantwo).

In the illustrated embodiment, different locations of the pump bulb 1008have different sizes. For example, the diameter of the pump bulb 1008varies at different locations along the pump bulb 1008. In theillustrated embodiment, the pump bulb 1008 has a first size at the firstend portion 1080, a second size at the second end portion 1082, and athird size at a location 1084 that is between the first end portion 1080and the second end portion 1082. The first size is larger than the thirdsize. The second size is larger than the third size. In someembodiments, the first size and the second size are the same. In otherembodiments, the first size is different than the second size.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 1072 and/or the sizing ofthe pump bulb 1008 may help prevent the pump bulb 1008 from slippingduring actuation of the pump bulb 1008 by the user. The projectionsand/or the sizing of the pump bulb may also help prevent the pump bulb1008 from rotating during the pumping or actuation by the user. In someembodiments, the projections 1072 help or facilitate the locating of thedeflation mode actuator 1012.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of theembodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable implant, comprising: a fluidreservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pumpassembly configured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to theinflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pumpbulb having an outer surface, the pump bulb having a horizontalprojection disposed on the outer surface and a vertical projectiondisposed on the outer surface, the horizontal projection being spacedfrom the vertical projection, the horizontal projection includes alength and a width, the length of the horizontal projection being largerthan the width of the horizontal projection, the horizontal projectionhaving a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, thehorizontal projection being curved along the length of the horizontalprojection between the first end of the horizontal projection and thesecond end of the horizontal projection.
 2. The inflatable implant ofclaim 1, wherein the pump bulb includes a plurality of horizontalprojections disposed on the outer surface.
 3. The inflatable implant ofclaim 1, wherein the pump bulb includes at least 4 horizontalprojections disposed on the outer surface.
 4. The inflatable implant ofclaim 1, wherein the pump bulb includes at least 6 horizontalprojections disposed on the outer surface.
 5. The inflatable implant ofclaim 1, wherein the pump bulb includes a plurality of verticalprojections disposed on the outer surface.
 6. The inflatable implant ofclaim 1, wherein the pump bulb includes at least 4 vertical projectionsdisposed on the outer surface.
 7. The inflatable implant of claim 1,wherein the pump bulb includes at least 6 vertical projections disposedon the outer surface.
 8. The inflatable implant of claim 1, wherein thepump bulb has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middleportion disposed between the first end portion and the second endportion, the first end portion has a first size, the middle portion hasa second size, the first size being greater than the second size.
 9. Theinflatable implant of claim 1, wherein the pump bulb has a first endportion, a second end portion, and a middle portion disposed between thefirst end portion and the second end portion, the first end portion hasa first size, the middle portion has a second size, the second endportion has a third size, the first size being greater than the secondsize, the third size being greater than the second size.
 10. Theinflatable implant of claim 1, wherein the vertical projection includesa length and a width, the length of the vertical projection being largerthan the width of the vertical projection, the vertical projection islinear along the length of the vertical projection.
 11. The inflatableimplant of claim 1, wherein the vertical projection has a first endportion and a second end portion, the vertical projection includes alength and a width, the length of the vertical projection being largerthan the width of the vertical projection, the vertical projection islinear along the length of the vertical projection from the first endportion to the second end portion.
 12. An inflatable implant,comprising: a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatablemember; and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid from the fluidreservoir to the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pumpbulb, the pump bulb having an outer surface, the pump bulb having ahorizontal projection disposed on the outer surface and a verticalprojection disposed on the outer surface and spaced from the horizontalprojection, the horizontal projection having a width, and a length, thelength of the horizontal projection being greater than the width of thehorizontal projection, the length of the horizontal projection definingan axis, the vertical projection having a first end and a second endspaced from the first end, the vertical projection having a width, and alength, the length of the vertical projection being greater than thewidth of the vertical projection, the length of the vertical projectiondefining an axis, the axis of the horizontal projection beingperpendicular to the axis of the vertical projection.
 13. The inflatableimplant of claim 12, wherein the pump bulb has a first end portion and asecond end portion opposite the first end portion, the first horizontalprojection being disposed proximal the first end portion, the secondhorizontal projection being disposed proximal the second end portion.14. The inflatable implant of claim 12, wherein the vertical projectionis linear along the length of the vertical projection.
 15. Theinflatable implant of claim 12, wherein the pump bulb has a first endportion, a second end portion, and a middle portion disposed between thefirst end portion and the second end portion, the first end portion hasa first size, the middle portion has a second size, the first size beinggreater than the second size.
 16. The inflatable implant of claim 12,wherein the pump bulb has a first end portion, a second end portion, anda middle portion disposed between the first end portion and the secondend portion, the first end portion has a first size, the middle portionhas a second size, the second end portion has a third size, the firstsize being greater than the second size, the third size being greaterthan the second size.
 17. The inflatable implant of claim 12, whereinthe pump bulb is configured to be disposed within a scrotum of apatient.
 18. The inflatable implant of claim 12, wherein the horizontalprojection is linear along the length of the horizontal projection. 19.The inflatable implant of claim 12, wherein the vertical projection islinear along the length of the vertical projection, the horizontalprojection is linear along the length of the horizontal projection.